I still don't know what happened to the rest of 2006 - it went by in a blur and now I'm back to something that resembles normal life. In just a few days I'll be back home in WA and things will feel much more like everyday life, which I'm looking forward to (but that's not to say I haven't thoroughly enjoyed the almost six weeks of living like it's my job to visit family and friends!). Here's a little snapshot of my time down South...it's hard to sum it up in so few pictures!

My friend Julie and I at her wedding reception. It was so good to be back in College Station for a bit, to see old friends, and to be a part of the wedding festivities! It all went by way too fast.


My mother-in-law, cousins-in-law and me on a little expedition to stock up the Austinites with some fire wood. I had a great visit in Uvalde, learning to make toffee, visiting great aunts, and just generally relaxing at the in-laws.


The ladies of the family (minus Marla, who was inside the house staying warm and dry). We braved the cold and rain to help keep watch over the ham that was being smoked. The portable heater and the laughs helped!


There's nothing like a little DDR to liven up the party! And, there's nothing like beating your almost 15-year-old, cheerleader niece at the game, either! (Sorry, Anna!) Thanks to Will for the new game, which came as a Christmas present from overseas. We had a blast and even got mom, Brian and Chris out there (although I kept those pictures private so as not to embarrass anyone)!!!


Toasting the new year - in Turkey that is! Unfortunately, at the time of this picture Will was headed into work - what a way to ring in 2007! So, I had a drink for him and thought about how much fun it will be next year to ring in 2008 together (instead of 6200 miles apart).


Okay...new favorite game! Left. Right. Center.


This dice game is SO much fun. We had an absolute blast (even Grandpa got in on the fun). I did not win (sorry, Will) but I'm on the hunt for this game. My brother's girlfriend, Lelia, brought it along so we could all get hooked.